Filter and pan gasket to service the GM 4T40E and 4T45E transaxle in the Cavalier, Cobalt, HHR, Malibu, G6, Grand Am and Saturn Ion, replacing part 24203370.
A Cobalt, HHR, Malibu, Cavalier, G5, G6, Grand Am, Alero or Saturn Ion that slips between gears when it gets warm, or leaves a red spot under the engine bay every night, is usually overdue for exactly this job. This kit is the pickup filter and pan gasket for GM's 4T40E and 4T45E four-speed front-drive transaxles. It replaces GM filter numbers 24203370, 24221762 and 8685185 and covers the pan service on every 4T40E and 4T45E from 1995 on.
In the 4T40E and the heavier-duty 4T45E, the pump draws its oil from the bottom pan through this filter. Everything the transaxle wears off, from the forward, direct, coast, reverse and 2nd clutch frictions to the two bands, passes through the fluid, and the filter is what stops it before it reaches the pump and the pressure regulator. That matters more on this unit than most. TransGo's position is that nearly every serious 4T40E failure starts with wear in the pressure regulator valve bore, which leads to burned forward or reverse clutches, burned planets and overheated fluid. Dirty oil speeds that wear, so a clean filter is cheap insurance for the valve body. The gasket matters too: pan rail weeps are a common complaint on these cars, and a transaxle that is a quart low will slip and run hot.
Check the level hot on level ground, then look at and smell the fluid. A dark, varnish-smelling fill or friction material in the pan means the service is still due but the unit may need more help. If codes are present, separate filter and fluid problems from the solenoids; the pressure control solenoid changed design in 2004 on most GM cars, which matters if you go further, and our 2004-up 4T40E pressure control solenoid page explains the split. A slip that survives fresh fluid and a new filter usually means clutch wear or a valve body that needs attention.
Listed for GM 4T40E and 4T45E transaxles from 1995 on: Chevrolet Cavalier, Classic, Cobalt, HHR and Malibu; Pontiac Grand Am, G5, G6, Sunfire and Pursuit; Oldsmobile Alero and Cutlass; Saturn Ion, Aura, Vue and L-series; and the Daewoo Lanos. The 4T40E and 4T45E share this pan and filter, but these cars were also built with the 4T65E, the 6T40 or a manual, so confirm the RPO code on your glovebox or trunk sticker shows MN4 or MN5 before ordering. Hold the new filter against the old one to check the outline and the 12-bolt gasket pattern. Not sure? Send us your year and VIN. The full lineup for this transaxle is on the 4T40E parts page.
With the car on a lift or stands, drain the pan and remove all twelve bolts, leaving two loose at one end so the pan tips down and empties slowly. Pull the filter straight off the pickup and check that its seal did not stay behind. Clean the pan, the magnet and the case rail completely, seat the new filter, set the gasket dry and tighten the bolts gradually in a crossing pattern to the torque in your service data. These pans dent and distort easily when overtightened. Refill with DEXRON-VI, which GM says replaces DEXRON III and earlier fluids in its transmissions, then set the level hot. If a valve body has already worn out, the remanufactured 4T40E valve body is the next step, and a unit with burned frictions needs the 4T40E master rebuild kit, which includes a new filter.
| Fits | GM 4T40E / 4T45E, 1995-on: Chevy Cavalier, Classic, Cobalt, HHR, Malibu; Pontiac Grand Am, G5, G6, Sunfire, Pursuit; Olds Alero, Cutlass; Saturn Ion, Aura, Vue, L-series; Daewoo Lanos |
| Includes | Automatic transmission pickup filter and pan gasket |
| Replaces part number | 24203370, 24221762, 8685185 |
| Pan bolts | 12 |
| Fluid | DEXRON-VI compatible automatic transmission fluid (sold separately) |
| Service note | Set the pan gasket dry, torque pan bolts evenly in a crossing pattern |
| Ships from | USA |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Yes. Both transaxles use this filter and 12-bolt pan gasket. Check the RPO code on your car (MN4 for 4T40E, MN5 for 4T45E) to make sure you do not have a 4T65E or 6T40 instead.
Use DEXRON-VI. GM lists it as the replacement for DEXRON III and earlier DEXRON fluids in its automatic transmissions, so it is the correct refill even for 1990s units.
A filter restores pump feed, but it cannot fix worn clutches or pressure regulator bore wear, which TransGo calls the root of most 4T40E failures. Check the fluid level hot and test line pressure next.
It is better not to. Many 4T45E pan leaks come from a tired gasket, and this kit includes a new one. Clean both sealing surfaces and tighten the bolts gradually in a cross pattern.
Clean the magnet and look at the debris before you throw it away. Fine gray paste is normal wear; bronze flakes or loose friction material mean the clutches or bushings are wearing and the unit needs a closer look.
